According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of Takata air bag inflators that had been recalled nationwide, including in Connecticut, is approximately 23 million. Now, following one more driver’s death in another state, an additional five million vehicles are being recalled. NHTSA says it expects the number of recalls to continue increasing, as it believes many millions of cars on U.S. roads with Takata airbags have not yet been recalled. This is said to be the biggest recall of a defective product in U.S. history.
The most recent fatality — the ninth in the U.S. to be linked to Takata — occurred when a driver in a 2006 Ford Ranger pickup truck ran off the road when he swerved to avoid an obstruction in the road. He then hit another obstacle, and the air bag inflator malfunctioned, causing the bag to explode. NHTSA investigators launched an investigation after learning about the accident from the attorney of the deceased man’s family.
It was determined that although the air bag inflator was a Takata product, it was different to those used in the other recalled vehicles. This is the reason for the additional five million vehicles that may now be recalled. However, an exact number cannot be provided, as the recalled models may overlap with some already recalled vehicles. NHTSA investigators said the December crash was similar to others that happened at relatively low speeds and that would not typically lead to fatalities.
Connecticut residents who have lost a loved one in an accident in which a defective product caused the death of the person retain the right to take legal action against the responsible parties. They may pursue financial relief by filing a wrongful death claim in a civil court. Many people are hesitant to take on big businesses in litigation, but with the support and guidance of an experienced product liability attorney, a monetary judgment may be obtained. Once negligence is established, the court will consider all documented financial and emotional losses.
Source: ctpost.com, “Gov’t: 10th death linked to exploding Takata air bags“, Joan Lowy, Jan. 22, 2016
